CariBear

On 3/24/2024 at 8:40 PM, Colorado Buffalo said:

Do you remember the name of the company or stable they used for the horseback riding?

Was it El Rancho Barrio Dorcas ?

I am not 100% sure of the name. It was at the Mahogany Bay pier and there was a sign saying “Xtreme Ziplining” Hope this helps!

We recently returned from a cruise visiting Roatán. I searched extensively on the boards for reviews and wanted to share my experience with our excursion.

I booked directly from Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout website. We booked the Horseback Riding/Monkey/Snorkel Excursion.

After exiting the ship, we headed for the port exit (Royal Caribbean’s pier). Immediately outside the gates there is a busy, but narrow road and vendors are waiting across the street with signs promoting their businesses. I quickly found the large Daniel Johnson’s sign. We checked in and were immediately placed with a driver to begin our excursion. There were three of us and we drove in a private vehicle.  I wish I remembered our driver’s name, but he was a native to the island and shared lots of information on the way to our first stop. We went to the Mahogany Bay cruise pier to do the horseback riding first. Unfortunately, the group was full…so we continued onto the Monkey and Sloth Hangout. Once there, we encountered a very long line to get in. Our driver was great though and he spoke with a staff member who told us the quickest way to begin would be by going snorkeling first. We all needed to change into our bathing suits, but there was only one restroom in the area, so this took a while. Once suited up, we were given snorkels and fins. The boat we went on was very crowded. They really stuffed everyone on and it felt very rushed. There was zero legroom as we were all piled on. The snorkeling area was not very far, so it was a quick boat ride. Once anchored, we had to jump off the boat to get into the water (there was a ladder for the return). Daniel Johnson was on the boat as our driver and another crew member was there to lead us around the reef. We saw lots of fish, conch, and a few spiney lobsters. Overall, a good snorkel experience, just a very crowded boat. The snorkeling seemed to go by very fast. 

Once back on land, we needed to change out of our wet swimwear. This took a very long time with one restroom. There were two more restrooms by the hangout, but lines were very long and we didn’t want to hold everyone up by changing in those restrooms. 

The interaction with the sloths, monkeys, and parrots was a lot of fun! Probably the favorite part of our cruise. The actual hangout area is very small with lots of people interacting with the animals. They take you in groups to visit each animal. We went inside the monkey enclosure and had a blast with those crazy little guys! Our tour guide was great and provided us with a lot of information about the animals. He made sure everyone had a chance to interact with a monkey. Food was put on our heads to entice the monkeys to jump on us. So much fun! We have done this before in the Dominican Republic, so already knew what we were in for!

Next we went into the parrot enclosure. Everyone had an opportunity to get up close with a parrot; on your arm, shoulder or head. 
 

The sloths were, of course, our favorite! They were very docile. Handlers would move the sloths to each person, giving them plenty of time to take pictures and bask in the glory of a sloth hug!! The sloths were not in an enclosure, but hung out in the trees along the water. We were told there are 12 sloths on the property which are rescues from the mainland, Honduras. 
 

Lastly, we were assigned a driver to bring us back to Mahogany Bay for the horseback riding. He dropped us off and told us he would be back to drive us back to the port when we were finished. We left our bags with the driver, so we didn’t have to carry them around. We were told that the horses were rescues, but I don’t know if this is 100% true. Several horses were very thin with protruding hip bones. I almost wanted to say forget it, but my other family members were already saddled up. We had two guides to help us on the trail. The horses seemed tired and were a little ornery. The trip through the woods was nice and we soon arrived at the waters edge. The guides helped situate the horses for a picture for each family. We then took off our shoes and went riding in the ocean. The water was pretty high….and it was a neat experience, but I still felt a little sad for the horses. We got back on the trail and headed to the stables. As we arrived back, another groups was setting out for their trail ride. 
 

We waited about 10 minutes for our driver and then we were on our way back to the port. Our driver did tell us that Daniel Johnson is building a new, larger hangout….close to the current location. I don’t know any other details, but a larger area to ease the congestion of guests and provide more habitats for the animals seems like a great idea. 
 

Bring lots of cash for tips! We had two different drivers, two horseback riding guides, plus our guide at the hangout and snorkeling. 
 

Overall, we had a fun time! I would visit the hangout again, especially once the new hangout opens. I might skip the horseback riding though….as I just felt that the horses were worked too hard. Snorkeling, I think I would do a longer, separate excursion to have more time to enjoy the reef.
 

These are just my thoughts….your experiences may vary. 
 

Happy cruising!!!🛳️🏝️🦥🐒🦜
 

Yes, I have read several reports of the dining being changed on this ship, but nothing official. Still trying to figure out show times as well, but haven’t come across anything. Very used to sailing the other lines and knowing where to go for information, but with Celebrity, I just can’t find what I am looking for. 
 

Thanks to all who replied!

Going on the Beyond in February as a first time Celebrity cruiser. I’ve cruised about 30 times, but feel like a newbie, as my family cruises with Disney and RCCL. This cruise is for a family member’s birthday and we are going with an older crowd. Suffice it to say, I am by no means a spring chicken at 50, but most of our group will be between 70-80. 
 

We are on Deck 7 in an infinite balcony cabin, with anytime dining. From what I have been able to find, we should make dining reservations each night. Is this important? Since we are with a group of 15 people, I would assume it would be hard to be seated together if we go in each night with no reservations. Looks like each complimentary restaurant has signature dishes and then the rest of the menu is the same? 
 

What about shows? Are there set showtimes each night that we should book our dining around? With Disney, we have set showtimes for early and late seating, so it’s easy to plan our days. Even with RCCL, I am a planner and usually go with Traditional Dining (late). 
 

What about quiet places to read? Even with a verandah, I usually spend my time on the outside decks in a lounger, reading. 

Excursions seem limited as well. There just doesn’t seem to be as many choices as I am used to. Might need to look outside the cruise line. 
 

I have a feeling this cruise will be very different than what I am used to, but then again, maybe not? 
 

Thanks for your help!
 

2 hours ago, Wineaux007 said:

I believe you need to create a NAVICA account for everyone then go into emed and use those credentials to log in.  I used separate emails for me and my wife.  

Thank you! I went ahead and created the NAVICA account and I think we are all set now.

2 hours ago, njkruzer said:

Go to emed.com, start test, you'll see that you can click create an account.   Looks like that works.

Thanks! I didn't go that far, guess I should have tried that first.

After 19 Disney cruises....I can say it's worth it. However, my family loves Disney. I often go on DCL with my girlfriends as we love the adult only areas....and again, we are all huge Disney fans. The shows are amazing, and the service has been the best we have received. If you are a Disney loving family, then I would say go! The Oceanear's Club for your 6 year old is amazing!!! The Disney Dream out of Miami will be the best price-wise as the Disney Wish is a brand new ship that has very high demand right now. I have been on the Dream 11 times....same itinerary each time....so if you would like any advice or help, please feel free to DM me.

How did you create an eMed account? I went to the home page and there is no place to create an account. I did order my tests and have them in hand. I can access "Start Test", but there is nowhere to create an account and add my family in advance. Thanks for the help!

On 6/2/2022 at 8:30 PM, karatemom2 said:

We booked with them last year and the box lunch was good - we ordered the turkey wraps and they came with chips, fruit and water. They also provided a cooler which we definitely appreciated. They will also provide you with a binder that has suggestions for different routes and information about things to see along the way as well as a CD that you can play to accompany your drive. Another great source of information on the Yukon drive is Murray's Guide which you can find by doing an internet search.

Thanks for the great info!!!

On 6/5/2022 at 12:34 PM, barbeyg said:

We did a separate ArriveCAN, using my husband’s email acct for crossing the border from Skagway.  The border agent only asked for all our passports. However, with Victoria now asking to see the ArriveCAN scan, possibly they are asking there as well. 
 

We drove to Emerald Lake. It was beautiful. 🙂

Thank you very much!! Excited about our trip!!

On 5/31/2022 at 11:34 PM, Mondaymonday said:

Per the Royal Caribbean site, it does not matter what time the test or cruise is. They count by DAYS, not hours, so you will be fine testing early Wednesday morning for a Friday cruise. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/how-do-i-figure-out-when-to-get-pre-cruise-covid-19-test

Thank you very much for your reply! 

I did know it was 2 days prior and have read RCCL's info several times. However, after searching CC and the covid testing posts, I did not see much mention of early morning testing. I am sure I will be up at 1am on Wednesday.....for last minute packing.....so if I can get the test done then....wonderful....but have not read of anyone taking the test at that time.

On 6/1/2022 at 7:11 PM, barbeyg said:

We used them last week. Checkin was a breeze, we got an ice chest with our packed meals around the corner from the vehicle pickup.  We drove out to Emerald Lake and back, and hubby returned the Jeep.  We would use them again.

Great to hear!! Did you have to use the ArriveCan app prior to crossing into Canada to Emerald Lake? We would like to make it that far as well. Thanks!!

Thanks so much for the responses! Looking forward to our trip next week!!

Have a question about when to test. I did order the test kits through Royal. My cruise leaves on a Friday, so I can test 2 days prior on Wednesday. Does it matter what time on Wednesday we test?? Our boarding time on Friday is 12:30pm....does this matter? I was hoping to test before our 10:30am flight on Wednesday. I don't mind testing at 5:30am.....if it will be valid for the cruise. Would rather test at home and not worry about our internet/cell connection when we are far from home. Anyone know the protocol for this? Thanks!

I booked with this company back in December after seeing good reviews on the boards. I emailed them the other day with a question, but haven't heard anything back yet. Has anyone used DIY Jeep Tours recently? 

Thanks!

Do you know if independent shore excursions are allowed or are you limited to RCCL excursions only? Thanks!

Thank you to all who have posted! I have also looked at NCL, Princess, and Celebrity as well. Princess has (what I consider)the best itinerary with both Glacier Bay and Hubbard, but we have sailed Princess a long time ago and it wasn’t really for us. NCL has the Encore, with a good itinerary….but I still keep coming back to RCCL.

Thanks for all of your insight bmblob and twangster. Much appreciated!!

Thanks for your replies!

Unfortunately, we are not able to add on a cruise tour, but we will be flying in a few days early to either explore Seattle or Vancouver….based on the itinerary.

I’ve checked flights, and the cost at this time is about the same to either departure point, so I have left that out of the equation.

I guess my main concern is will we miss not seeing Hubbard Glacier or is Endicott/Dawes just as amazing, but in its own way.  
 

I do like the idea of a one way itinerary, staying a few days on each end of the cruise. 
 

Thanks again!

Looking for some advice on Alaska. Trying to decide which ship and itinerary for Alaska in June/July 2022. We are a family of 4; kids are 14 and 19. We have never been to Alaska and have only cruised to the Caribbean and Bahamas. Looks like the price is right for Alaska next summer, but not sure which itinerary would be best.

I am leaning towards Ovation or Quantum as I feel there would be more to do onboard for the kids and they are newer ships. However, both sail from Seattle and do not visit Hubbard Glacier. They visit Endicott/Dawes. I do understand the water is rougher out of Seattle, but I think we would be okay as we usually take Bonine when sailing anyway.

Other options are:

Radiance : visiting Hubbard Glacier

NB from Vancouver 

SB from Seward

Serenade: out of Vancouver

Route A: visiting Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm

Route B: visiting Tracy Arm and Endicott/Dawes Glaciers

I know many love Radiance, but we usually sail the bigger ships which we prefer as there seems to be more “stuff” to do onboard; especially with teens. I know the scenery of Alaska will be #1 for my husband and myself. Do I sacrifice ship for itinerary or itinerary for ship?  Or do you feel that there really is no sacrifice, as all itineraries showcase the best of Alaska, just in different ways?

Would love some insight from those who have sailed to Alaska. 
 

Thanks so much!

Great review thus far! Boarding the NOS in a week for the Thanksgiving Cruise.

We chose the Amazing Secret River excursion and it was amazing! They give you wet suits, water shoes, helmets with a light, life vests, and a walking stick. 2 hours to get there....make sure to take Meclizine or Dramamine as the ferry ride is very rough and natural remedies might not work for you....a 1/2 hour getting ready....1 hour in the caves.....1 hour for lunch....1/2 to shop on the way back to the ferry.....2 hours back to the ship.

Lots of rocky surfaces in the caves and sharp edges. Several people came out of the caves with cuts on their legs. They had hydrogen peroxide to wash off the cuts. Lunch is at their facility....chicken, chips, rice with local fruit/rice drinks.

Pictures were $100, but worth it. 
 

Definitely our favorite excursion in the Caribbean. 

On 11/5/2019 at 6:15 PM, Sunshine3601 said:

If you are sailing with RCCL they have an excursion to Blue Lagoon that includes Ferry ride (about 30 minutes from port), includes lunch and all the water toys plus you can swim with the sting rays at a cost of $55.    Or you can select the swim with dolphins for 89 or $99.   I usually select the swim with sting rays but never actual swim with the sting rays - I just use it to get to the island and enjoy my day there.     There are ferries that come and go all day.   They post ferry schedule at their dock.   

You feel like you are on gilligans island or the blue lagoon that was in the movie with brooke shields many years ago.    Beautiful way to spend your day.

Just looked up this excursion for my Navigator cruise and it doesn’t say anything about a buffet lunch. Does your listing say it includes lunch at the $55 cost?  The $89 beach break at Blue Lagoon does mention lunch....but I wouldn’t spend $30+ for the lunch excursion.

No fee or reservation needed! Free use of chairs/loungers......just eat and drink a little 😄

3 hours ago, xcell said:

 

Did all of you go in the cab together? I have a similar party size and trying to figure out the costs and dynamics of travel to and from.

The cabs are tiny....like a small compact car. They made us squeeze 5 into each car. It was a tight fit....with 4 people squished in the back and 1 up front. The ride is very short....so it worked out okay. I asked for a van at first, but they said they do not have vans.

We did go to Krazy Lobster as we had a group of 10 people who decided to go to the beach. Taxi knew exactly where to drop us off and there were Krazy Lobster employees waiting to escort us to the beach. We had a table right up front behind the row of loungers. Very shady at the table....loungers in the sun. Food was good and drinks plentiful. Had a little difficulty hailing down our server to order and pay. I think they were shorthanded as it was Christmas Day when we were there. Water was clean....not clear to see to the bottom, but not brown as I have seen in other pictures. No seaweed floating either. Kids had fun in the water....and it was a relaxing 3 hours. Nothing special, but a nice way to spend a few hours in Costa Maya without an excursion. For 10 people, our bill was $150 before tip. No cost for chairs/loungers, they just ask that you eat and drink. They did have massages for $20. A lady came by and gave me a sample with a quick upper back massage and it felt wonderful! They did have a few hammocks, free WiFi, and the free use of kayaks (very old, but usable). Yes, lots of locals coming by asking you to buy things from them.....lots....same things over and over again. A quick, no thank you worked....and they were in to the next guests. Bathroom was in a dilapidated building to the left of the restaurant. There were signs.....but we were wary at first. Not very clean, but usable. I wouldn’t want to change clothes in there, but for bodily functions it worked. Sink was outside of the bathroom and had soap and paper towels. Can’t compare it to any other place as we did not get off the ship the last time we were in Costa Maya. Hope this helps!